Coroner Suspends Adichie’s Son’s Inquest, Accuses Lagos AG Of Interference

The Coroner, Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the son of celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie has adjourned the inquest indefinitely over allegations of interference by Lagos State’s attorney-general, Lawal Pedro (SAN).

The coroner, who is sitting at the Lagos State High Court in Igbosere, stated that the inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege will remain adjourned until the chief coroner of the state, Justice Mojisola Dada, issues further instructions on the next steps.

Magistrate Adetunji halted the proceedings after a lawyer from the Lagos State Attorney-General’s office, Adebola Araba, informed her that Pedro had directed that the matter be suspended until after a meeting with all the parties scheduled for 12th May, 2026.

The visibly angry magistrate criticised the AG for taking the action without informing the court.

She stated, “I find it very appalling that Lagos State’s attorney-general, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), would take such steps without informing the court.

“The court is not under the Ministry of Justice, and the AG does not have the authority under the separation of powers to direct the court.

“I will report to the chief coroner to give other directives. I will not set any date for the adjournment until I receive instructions from the chief coroner,” she held.

Nkanu allegedly died on 7 January 2026, during medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.

But the parents, Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, accused the hospital of “prima facie breaches of the duty of care” in their son’s treatment.

The Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital denied the allegations of medical negligence, describing the claim as inaccurate and unfounded.

Earlier, during the proceedings, Araba informed the court of the scheduled meeting on 12 May 2026 between the AG of Lagos State and all counsel in the inquest.

The parents’ lawyer, Adeyinka Aderemi, informed the court that they had received a letter from the AG’s office scheduling a meeting for that day, which was later moved to 12 May without informing the court or the parents, who are leaving the country soon.

Magistrate Adetunji questioned why the court was not informed about the letter.

Araba claimed ignorance of the letter and said he learned of the meeting only through instructions.

Counsel for Atlantis Abiodun Layonu (SAN) and Aderemi confirmed receiving similar letters and said they would follow the court’s decision.

Aderemi observed that the parents’ interests are not being adequately represented and that, if the Attorney General genuinely believed in restorative justice, he should have convened the meeting earlier.

He also stated that the letter merely cut short the hearing, and noted that the father of the deceased was present in court and had sworn an affidavit which, in his view, the court ought to have heard on Tuesday.

The counsel to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Prof Taiwo Osiptan (SAN), also confirmed receiving two letters dated 23 April and 4 May 2026 from the office of the AG, stating that the meeting had been rescheduled to 12 May 2026.